Thanks a bunch for the fantastic comments guys! The few Accurate Miniature brand kits were all purchased from other modelers on Ebay, they aren't very easy to come by anymore unfortunately.

I plan on sticking with the decals included with the kit.

"VB-16 USS Lexington Tarawa Nov 16, 1943"

CallSignOWL - I certainly wish I had no troubles at all. lol Most kits now days have nearly zero flash and near perfect fits. This kit definitely shows its age due to the gaps, flash and awful fits with some parts. This kit is definitely a blast from the past that put old skills back to the test.

When I first heard that I could buy a pre-thinned paint set I jumped the gun and went all Vallejo. Its been one of those love hate type relationships. Lately they have been producing a very nice tip dry on my airbrush needles... Starting to miss Model Master paints. :0P

The wash is also Vallejo brand. Its a mix of their original Model Wash and newer Game Model Wash lineup.

I've been very excited about the new Hataka brand paints. Havent gotten around to purchasing any though. Maybe for the TBF I have planned next.

Man I just love these AM Dauntless'!!!!! I've got a -4 in my stash and can't wait to build it. Back in 98 I built a -4 Hasegawa Dauntless and took it to a Dallas IPMS show and that was about the time the AM SBD's were hitting the market really strong. Needless to say, my Hase build just didn't stack up against the mighty AM's.

Thank you all for such wonderful comments! Below are some more updates. :)

Canopy was completed, flaps/airbreaks ready for installaton.

Decals applied. Some detailing started.

Decals applied and set, airbrushed a dab of very thinned Intermediate Blue to accentuate the sunspots a bit more, a method picked up from one of our own on here :). Canopy and Flaps not yet fixed to model. Experimenting with various washes for panel line accent. Will be going with a rusty black brown color made from sepia and black Vallejo Game Wash.

How did I miss this? Awesome job on a really busy cockpit and I love the color density variation on the tops of the wings. It definitely makes the aircraft look well-used. I can't wait to see the final!
Groot

Nice job so far PA. It looks as though you even thinned out the doors of the gun stowage bay for the twin .30s. =] This part gets cast way to thick. I always like seeing when someone corrects a part like this for scale.

Very nice job on the weathering, I can see why it's your favorite part of the build. I see that you own several Tamiya weathering compact cases, I own a few and love them. Did you apply any to this build and if so, how and why?

Toshi

On The Bench: Revell 1/48 B-25 Mitchell

Married to the most caring, loving, understanding, and beautiful wife in the world. Mrs. Toshi

Very nice job on the weathering, I can see why it's your favorite part of the build. I see that you own several Tamiya weathering compact cases, I own a few and love them. Did you apply any to this build and if so, how and why?

Toshi

Hello Toshi! Yes I think I own the set of them. They were only used on the instrument panel so far to highlight any extruded panel areas. That's usually what I use them for. They were used a great deal on my recent 109 build for weathering over the mottling. I'll try and post some pics of various uses. :)